Women's Health and Motherhood

Women's health has a profound impact on the journey to motherhood. The adage "a healthy mother births a healthy child" underscores the importance of maternal well-being from pre-adolescence onwards. Indeed, a woman's health trajectory begins in her mother's womb and continues to shape her adulthood. As parents, it's imperative to lay a solid foundation for girl children's health early on, ensuring they receive balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and follow a nourishing lifestyle from childhood through adolescence.

Healthy Teenage

While teenagers may be swayed by peer influences, it's essential for parents to guide them towards healthy habits. Beyond just a nutritious diet, regular exercise is paramount for their vitality and mental well-being. Encouraging physical activity instills energy, fosters positive thinking, and enhances academic performance - a crucial lifestyle adjustment for their holistic development.

During the teenage years, it's important to focus on bone density, which significantly impacts a woman's health in later stages of life. By the age of 22, the bone density of girls is largely formed, influencing their bone strength and mobility as they age. Bone density, a measure of bone strength, is essential for maintaining mobility well into old age.

Teenage girls must also focus on sunlight exposure to support bone health. Sunlight exposure between 11 am to 3 pm for 18 minutes daily aids in synthesizing vitamin D, essential for bone health. In cases where sunlight exposure is limited, vitamin D supplements can fulfill the requirement.

Additionally, a balanced diet rich in calcium, protein, iron, vitamin C, and other micronutrients is vital for teenagers' growth and bone density. Encouraging consumption of leafy green vegetables, other vegetables, lean proteins, and fruits while minimizing processed foods like soft drinks promotes overall health. Fruits like papayas, guavas, and pure fruit juices of amla, lemon, and mango are healthy for them.

Healthy Motherhood

Women's bodies undergo various stages, from puberty, monthly menstruation, childbirth, and breastfeeding, to attainment of menopause. The most important changes are during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding when the baby drains essential nutrients like calcium and iron from the mother's body. It's vital to prioritize a woman's health during pregnancy and breastfeeding, ensuring she receives adequate supplementation of iron, vitamins, and calcium to replenish depleted stores. The optimal age for childbirth is generally considered to be after 25 years.

By prioritizing healthy habits during teenage years, women can optimize their health by age 25. This includes maintaining adequate haemoglobin levels above 12. And screening for thyroid function is crucial, with optimal levels below 2.5. Ensuring adequate folic acid in the body from three months before pregnancy is necessary.

Achieving a proportional height-to-weight ratio or Body Mass Index (BMI), and avoiding obesity through balanced nutrition and regular exercise is imperative as people who are overweight could be obese and face diabetes. The secret to a diabetes-free life is maintaining HbA1c below 5.7 through lifestyle modifications. Lifestyle adjustments such as following a low or no-sugar diet can help prevent diabetes in future generations. Ensuring that fasting blood sugar levels remain below 90, and post-meal levels after breakfast, lunch, and dinner stay below 120 throughout the day, from three months before pregnancy until ten months after, can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes in the next generation.

Fostering Healthy Generations

At Ernakulam Medical Centre, we understand the profound impact of women's health on motherhood. Our dedicated doctors are committed to providing comprehensive care and support throughout every stage of a woman's life journey. From guidance for parents during childhood and adolescence of girl children to preconception counseling, pregnancy care, and postpartum support for our woman patients, we offer personalized treatments tailored to individual needs.

The path to motherhood is paved with proactive healthcare measures and informed lifestyle choices. By prioritizing women's health and well-being, we lay the foundation for healthy families, vibrant communities, and future generations. Let’s ensure a healthier, happier future for the women of the world.